Just a 10 minute ferry trip across Baltimore harbour (foot passengers only), Sherkin is a small island about 3.5 miles long by 1.5 miles wide with a population of only a hundred or so, and three lovely safe beaches.

Mark Murphy's guesthouse and pub is near the ferry and offers the best amenities of the accommodation options on the island. It would make a comfortable base for a break and is understandably popular for weddings, as the island location has romantic appeal.

It is quite basic but the rooms are clean and comfortable, so it is pretty much what most people expect of an island. The bar - which has plenty of outdoor seating on a large lawn overlooking the bay and Baltimore - is the main attraction, and offers a fair choice of simple dishes, including sandwiches (ham carved off the joint), good steaks with garlic butter and chips or specials such as massive local Dublin Bay Prawns (langoustine) in their shells. People enjoy the craic, the pleasant, friendly service by both staff and owner, and the live music which often adds to the atmosphere.

There's also a large breakfast room and a sitting room for guest,s with an open fire. Spacious bedrooms include some family rooms with four beds, and most have stunning views; all have quite good quality pine beds and soft furnishings, television, phone and en-suite bathroom, although the price may seem high for the standard offered.

The Islanders Rest also hosts events throughout the year such as plays, comedy (eg Tommy Tiernan) and music.

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